In a groundbreaking development, Tesla’s Megapacks are now at the core of the Oberon Solar and Storage project, a major renewable energy initiative situated in Riverside County, Southern California. The project, unveiled by Intersect Power in a press release on Tuesday, boasts an impressive 679 MWp/500 MWac solar array and utilizes Tesla’s Megapacks to provide a substantial 250 MW/1GWh of energy storage, equivalent to powering 207,000 homes annually.
Clean Energy Industry’s Milestone
Intersect Power CEO Sheldon Kimber emphasized the significance of the Oberon project, stating, “It is much more than a new source of clean power for California. It is also a case study in how the clean energy industry can maximize project benefits by prioritizing domestic supply chains and union labor to ensure the rewards of the clean energy transition are felt by all Americans.”
Aligning with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
The project aligns with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by employing U.S.-built hardware, including solar modules from First Solar, NX Horizon smart solar trackers, and American-made steel. Kimber emphasized that the Oberon project sets new standards for procurement in the industry, in line with the IRA’s vision for transformative clean energy projects that contribute significantly to the deep decarbonization of the economy.
Union Jobs and Economic Impact
Furthermore, the Oberon project has created over 930 skilled union jobs during peak construction, involving workers from California LiUNA Local 1184, IBEW Local 440, and others from the local community. This commitment to union labor underscores the project’s broader impact on local economies.
BLM’s Role in Responsible Energy Development
The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan played a crucial role in the project’s development. This plan facilitated collaboration between the federal government, conservation groups, Native American tribes, renewable energy companies, utilities commissions, and the public. More than 10 million acres were designated for conservation and recreation lands, with a focus on developing renewable practices for the area.
Karen Mouritsen, BLM California State Director, highlighted the Bureau’s dedication to responsible energy development, stating, “The completion of the Oberon Solar Project underscores the Bureau of Land Management’s commitment to responsible energy development in pursuit of a carbon-free power sector.”
Versatility of Tesla’s Megapacks
Tesla’s Megapacks have become pivotal in various energy storage projects, not only in the Oberon project but also in smaller-scale initiatives such as the water treatment plant in San Luis Obispo, California. Tesla has showcased the versatility of its technology, deploying Megapacks in Australia and several other locations globally.
Conclusion
The Oberon Solar and Storage project symbolizes a paradigm shift in the clean energy landscape, exemplifying the potential of large-scale solar initiatives coupled with advanced energy storage solutions. The collaboration between Intersect Power, Tesla, and other stakeholders underscores a commitment to domestic supply chains, union labor, and sustainable energy practices.
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SOURCE : TESLARATI
FAQs
How much energy storage does the Oberon Solar and Storage project offer?
The project utilizes Tesla’s Megapacks to provide an impressive 250 MW/1GWh of energy storage, equivalent to powering 207,000 homes annually.
What is the significance of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the Oberon project?
The Oberon project aligns with the IRA by employing U.S.-built hardware, prioritizing domestic supply chains, and adhering to high procurement standards, contributing to the vision of transformative clean energy projects.
How many jobs were created during the peak construction of the Oberon project?
The project generated over 930 skilled union jobs during peak construction, involving workers from various local unions, including California LiUNA Local 1184 and IBEW Local 440.
What role did the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan play in the Oberon project?
The BLM’s plan facilitated collaboration between diverse stakeholders, contributing to the designation of more than 10 million acres for conservation and recreation lands, with a focus on developing renewable practices for the area.
What is the role of Tesla’s Megapacks in the Oberon Solar and Storage project?
Tesla’s Megapacks serve as the cornerstone of the Oberon Solar and Storage project, providing an impressive 250 MW/1GWh of energy storage. These cutting-edge energy storage solutions play a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the project.